Handle Slides and Localizations of Categories

We propose a means by which some categorifications can be evaluated at a root of unity. This is implemented using a suitable localization in the context of prior work by the authors on categorification of the Jones-Wenzl projectors. Within this localized category, we define objects that decategorify to the SU(2) quantum invariants at low levels. These objects are invariant under handle slides, a property important for defining invariants of 3-manifolds in the context of Kirby calculus.